Wednesday, February 18th

Scripture

Joel 2: 12-18
Ps 51: 3-6 and 12-14, 17
2 Cor 5: 20-6: 2
Mt. 6: 1-6, 16-18

Reflection

“Even now, says the Holy One, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Holy One, your God.” (Joel 2:12)

Here we are beginning Lent on another Ash Wednesday; another opportunity to smudge our foreheads with ashes, remembering that we are made of earth, cosmic dust, and God’s breath. It is our annual time of re-turning to God with our whole heart. A time for fasting, for weeping and mourning, for rending our hearts, as we look around our world at the losses, the violence, the injustice that surround us on every side; even as we trust that our God is with us, sees us whether in public or in secret, and holds us close always.

So, what shall we fast from this year? Perhaps from the negative news, discouragement at all that is being undermined in our democratic institutions, the temptation to despair at all the harm being done to Earth. Instead, recognizing all this, we can look for where we see the Holy present and be sources of hope, sparks of light and positive energy in and for those around us and for our world.

Prayer

As we enter this season of Lent, be with us, Christ, in our being
and doing. Open our hearts and minds to your call to fast, to give
freely, to walk with you, and to follow where you lead.

Personal Challenge

Today when you hear God’s voice, in life and the world, open
your heart and life to the call to be present and act with love and
justice wherever there is need.

Sister Christine Parks
Kalamazoo, MI